Let the roasted bird rest, covered with foil on a cutting board for 15 minutes after removing it from the oven. Use a carving fork to steady the turkey, but take care to avoid stabbing the bird, causing juices to run out.

Using a very sharp carving knife, cut through the skin between the thigh and the carcass. Pull back on the leg to expose the joint. Cut through the joint and remove the leg/thigh.

Cut straight down through the knee joint to separate the leg and thigh. Lay the thigh skin side down and cut out the bone.

Hold the drumstick vertically and cut straight down against the bone to remove the meat.

Repeat steps to remove the other leg.

Cut the dark meat into serving pieces and place on a platter.

— James DeWan, special to Tribune Newspapers

Turkey thawing times

You can thaw the bird in the refrigerator (at 40 degrees or below) if you have time; it takes 24 hours per 4 or 5 pounds of turkey. Or speed things up by submerging it in cold water that you change every 30 minutes. Do not thaw the turkey on the counter at room temperature.

If thawing in the refrigerator, place the turkey on a tray or pan to contain any liquid that may drip. After thawing, the uncooked turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, according to the USDA.

Use these USDA recommended times instead of those found in older cookbooks and references. Cook at 325 degrees. A whole turkey is safe when cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees as measured with a food thermometer, according to the USDA.

Check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast. If cooking stuffing inside the bird, make sure the center of the stuffing reaches 165 degrees. Even if your turkey has a pop-up temperature indicator, the USDA recommends checking the internal temperature with a food thermometer.

A former volunteer firefighter in Montgomery County held four fellow firefighters hostage at gunpoint in the Elkins Park section of the township Tuesday morning before being taken into custody, police said.